Adam and Eve (B., Holl. 28; H. 159)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
Adam and Eve (B., Holl. 28; H. 159)
etching, 1638, second (final) state, a very good impression, the smudge on the bridge of Eve's nose still present and with little wear to her abdomen, trimmed on the platemark, a very skilfully repaired horizontal tear through the claw of the serpent at the right, a small grease spot (?) at the upper sheet edge, three small pale brown stains on the reverse
S. 164 x 118 mm.

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Lot Essay

-Eve, with the experienced calculating look of someone who is aware that her prey is at her command holds up the apple with both hands. [...…] by emphasizing the psychological aspect (the act of temptation) becomes all the more powerful in effect. Adam stretches forth to take the apple while the other arm is raised. …This becomes not so much a gesture of horror but one of awareness, and his forefinger is raised as if he were spelling out the consequences to himself, and at the same time warning Eve. He is a man torn between right and wrong and the farouche look and wild hair emphasise the turmoil of his senses versus his conscience.' (Christopher White, Rembrandt as an Etcher, Yale University Press, New Haven and London, 1999, pp.41)

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